Inhabitants in Greater Santo Domingo have an average commute to work of one hour and fifteen minutes at a cost of RD$55 per trip, according to the results of a recent mobility study conducted by experts from the European Union and the French Development Agency (AFD) for the National Traffic and Ground Transport Institute (Intrant). The study also revealed the traffic accounts for 20% of total CO2 emissions in the country which is the equivalent of about 428 kilograms of CO2 a year; or 128 grams of CO2 per traveler.
The researchers say that while the mass transport system of Greater Santo Domingo is efficient, it is operating at peak, with main corridors already saturated at peak hours. There is saturation on Metro Line 1, between stations Peña Gómez in Villa Mella and Juan Pablo Duarte (John F. Kennedy and Máximo Gómez avenues).
“There are high demand radial corridors without mass transport, including the corridors of Los Alcarrizos, Independencia, México, Avenida Ecológica and Mella. In addition road network restricted by bridges, very narrow secondary network, lack of regulation and congestion in the primary network, ” highlights the study.
The study recommends implementing road education program for citizens and improved inter-institutional coordination. The study highlights a strong relationship between school schedules and congestion and lack of proper order on city streets where improvised parking and other inconveniences tie-up traffic.
The study determined that 36% of people living in Greater Santo Domingo use public transport. This is broken down to 9% that use the Metro, 14% multi-fare taxis or conchos (16,275 units), and 13% minibuses or buses. Another 42% use private vehicles and 21% get around on foot. The findings are from a survey of 4,300 households in Greater Santo Domingo by the consulting firm Systra Internacional, covering the National District, Santo Domingo North, East and West and Los Alcarrizos.
71% of people that get around in Greater Santo Domingo do so for studies or work.
The study revealed that private transport is 42% of the mobility, private vehicle is 32%, motorcycle travel is 3%, mototaxis (motoconcho) is 3% and Uber-Taxi is 2%. Less than 1% gets around by bicycle.
The inter-municipality transport is 70% with transfers primarily between the National District, Santo Domingo North and Los Alcarrizos. In Santo Domingo East and West mobility is less at 60 and 65%.
Read more in Spanish:
Listin Diario
27 September 2018
